Young diseases

A number of studies have shown that regular physical activity and moderate weight loss can significantly reduce the risk of developing Type 2 Diabetes. Type 2 Diabetes also appears to be associated with obesity.

Researchers are making progress in identifying the exact genetics and "triggers" that predispose some individuals to develop Type 1 Diabetes, but prevention remains elusive.

When should I be tested for Diabetes?
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Anyone aged 45 years and above should consider getting tested for diabetes, especially if you are overweight. If you are younger than 45, but are overweight and have one or more additional risk factors (see below), you should consider testing.

What are the risk factors which increase the likelihood of developing Diabetes?
* Being overweight or obese (ref:Nutriweb)
* A parent, brother, or sister with diabetes
* Prior history of gestational diabetes or giving birth of at least one baby weighing more than 9 pounds
* High blood pressure measuring 140/90 or higher
* Physical inactivity, exercise less than three times a week

How does body weight affect the likelihood of developing Diabetes?
Being overweight or obese (ref:Nutriweb) is a leading risk factor for Type 2 Diabetes. Being overweight can keep your body from making and using insulin properly, and can also cause high blood pressure.

What is Pre-diabetes?
People with blood glucose levels that are higher than normal but not yet in the diabetic range have "pre-diabetes." Doctors sometimes call this condition impaired fasting glucose (IFG) or impaired glucose tolerance (IGT), depending on the test used to diagnose it.

IFG is a condition in which the blood sugar level is high (6.1 to 7.0mmol/L) after an overnight fast but not high enough to be classified as diabetes. IGT is a condition in which the blood sugar level is high (7.8 to 11.1mmol/L) after a two-hour oral glucose tolerance test, but is not high enough to be classified as diabetes. Insulin resistance and pre-diabetes usually have no symptoms. You may have one or both conditions for several years without noticing anything.

If you have pre-diabetes, you have a higher risk of developing Type 2 Diabetes. Studies have shown that most people with pre-diabetes go on to develop Type 2 Diabetes within 10 years, unless they lose weight through modest changes in diet and physical activity. People with pre-diabetes also have a higher risk of heart disease.

Effects of Diabetes
Diabetes can affect any part of your body. The good news is that you can prevent most of these problems by keeping your blood glucose (blood sugar) under control, eating healthily, being more physically active, and working with your health care provider to keep your blood pressure and cholesterol under control and getting necessary screening tests.